That meant the Redskins’ fourth-round draft pick would have taken thefield had Robert Griffin III gotten hurt. Grossman wasn’t even dressedfor the game, so there was no chance for Shanahan to have asplit-second change of mind.

Shanahan said after the game that Cousins had his full confidence andearned the right to be the backup Sunday following a strong preseason.He said his opinion of Grossman, who this offseason re-signed with theteam after starting 16 games over the last two years, hasn’t changed.

“To be honest with you, I always think being active for a quarterbackis probably the best experience he can have. And I thought Cousinsneeded to have that experience to know that he’s the next guy to goin,” Shanahan said. “I thought he played well enough in preseason tohave that opportunity. I’ve got a lot of confidence in Rex as well,but for Cousins to have the type of preseason that he had, I told him,‘Get ready. If Robert did go down, I’ve got enough confidence in you,’and that doesn’t take anything away from Rex. If Robert did go down,I’ve got confidence in both guys.”

Cousins completed 42 of 73 passes for 560 yards and three touchdownsand two interceptions this preseason.

Shanahan didn’t say if this decision would be the setup the Redskinswill use next week or if it was just a season-opener move/reward forCousins.